PNP Rx for Adults?

Specialties NP

Published

Would a PNP be operating outside their scope if they called in a Rx for someone over 21?

Either way, a PNP or FNP both have a DEA number so how would a pharmacy put the screws to a PNP Rx'ing for someone over 21?

I guess it could be a quick way to lose their license..

Specializes in Pediatrics, Nursing Education.

i think it depends on the state and the situation.

my understanding is - ok, lets say you're treating an breastfeeding infant with thrush and mom needs treatment - most of the time, talk to your ped and call it in under the peds name if it is appropriate after talking with your collaborating. or if you work someplace where there is easy access and mom's PCP is close, then talk to the PCP to streamline care. or you can refer mom to her provider for tx.

however, if it is someone over the age of 21 who is transitioning to adult care... then its ok.

Specializes in Peds Urology,primary care, hem/onc.

Your license/Rx authority is based on what your scope of practice is. With a PNP, you are trained to treat birth to age 21, so generally, no you cannot write a script for an adult. However, I have written a few refills on some of our regular patients while they are in the transition period to an adult provider...but they have already been an established patient with an established treatment plan. I would be very careful with a situation in question b/c you worked hard for the Rx authority, don't want to mess it up! :)

Would a PNP be operating outside their scope if they called in a Rx for someone over 21?

Either way, a PNP or FNP both have a DEA number so how would a pharmacy put the screws to a PNP Rx'ing for someone over 21?

I guess it could be a quick way to lose their license..

In Texas, our prescriptive authority is tied to our specialty. I know that b/c I had to get a DIFFERENT prescribing number when I became a FNP and started seeing kids. I had a prescribing number for writing scripts for people over the age of 12 (Adult NP) and I just assumed I would continue to use the same one when I became a FNP. NOT SO! I had to pay another $50 in order to get the one to cover the FNP certification.

I would think that a PNP would definitely get into trouble for writing a prescription for anyone over the age of 21 and even under the age of 21 if that person wasn't an established patient.

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